stressed out

[mkba1323]

so like about 4 months ago i got in trouble with the law dont get me wrong this is the first time an i really regret it now i have to do like community service like i guess hard work lavor its either that or go to jail for 3 days an i cant do that because i have my 20 month old son and i cant leave him by himself i have noone else to care for him im 10 weeks pregnant an i dont want to risk my pregnancy but i also have my son should i just do it like one day an than a week later another and than another or what should i do i really regret what i did but theres nothing i can do now but please help any answers any help will really be appreciated thanks

[texaschica]

First off, don't worry. Second, call the court for a list of approved community service agencies.  In most communities you won't have to do community service on the side of the road picking up trash or something like that.  There are plenty of opportunities with local non-profit agencies - often doing filing or data entry or some type of clerical work that would not be strenuous for your pregnancy.  If that is not an option for your city, then talk to the court.  Often the clerks can provide you an extension for your community service until your doctor clears you to perform the service.  You may have to show a Doctor's note for this to happen, and if there are any things pending your service (i.e. having your license reinstated), that probably won't happen until you have met the conditions of the court.  Also, it's probably better to just get it over with b/c it will only be harder to find time once you have 2 kids at home instead of 1!

In many communities it is not the court that assigns where you will do your service, but there is some other agency that keeps a list of non-profits who allow service hours.  In other communities you can just call non-profits and find out if you can do service for them for court.  Be sure the check with the court to follow the right process for your city - or else your hours might not count!

Good luck!

[niki_beth]

Hmmmmm... I'm really not sure what you should do... I definitely would AVOID jail time if at all possible! Just my oppinion.. How strenuous is the labor that they want you to do?? Remember, lots of pregnant women do semi strenuous labor (waitressing, nursing, etc...) up until their due date, so maybe as long as its not crazy strenuous work, just do it and seperate it if you can. Also, could you talk to someone about being pregnant and maybe what job you can do for community service? Ive never personally been in your situation, but I do know people that have done community service before, everything from cleaning up roadside to cleaning the cages at the humane society and walking and bathing the animals. Maybe since it was your first offense, and you are pregnant and already have a little one to take care of at home, they will let you do an easier job?
Good Luck! And Take care!!